50 Cent's SMS, Intel Team For Biometric In-Ear Headphones

NEW YORK — SMS Audio, the audio company helmed by rapper 50 Cent, unveiled last week the first fruits of its recently announced partnership with Intel: biometric in-ear headphones.

The BioSport headphones feature biometric sensors integrated into a custom heart-rate monitor. A built-in optical sensor measures a user’s heart rate during exercise, relaxation and in between. According to the company, the sensors can remove noise signals caused by body motion and ambient light.

Other defining features of the BioSports include three sizes of a patented ear-hook design, while an energy-harvesting audio jack draws power from the portable device they are connected to, meant to eliminate the need for batteries and/or charging for the headphones.

They will feature support for the Run- Keeper app, and other app support is planned for the future, said SMS Audio. They also come with an in-line mic and remote on a tangle-free cord, and they’re IPX4 rated for sweat and water resistance.

At least four color combinations will be available Availability is scheduled for Q4; pricing had not been set at press time.